My cell phone plan increased to $90. Through many sneaky tricks of AT&T my phone bill somehow doubled as a result of me upgrading to the latest iPhone (mistake – I know). As a result I was looking for alternatives. I knew I wanted to switch to Republic Wireless and their $5 – $40 unlimited plans, but was planning to wait until my contract was up in October 2016 and avoid the hundreds of dollars of early termination fees (thanks AT&T). Continue reading “Inertia: A Dangerously Powerful Force”
401K Update: Half Way and Going Strong
I’m half way through my “Maxing 401K in 6 Months” Challenge and I must admit I haven’t felt a difference. Despite my paychecks being half what they used to be I haven’t felt stressed or stretched. Saving in the current month for the next month’s rent has become routine. And the thrill I get seeing my 401K amount increase $1,500 every 2 weeks is something I can’t even describe. I’ve already saved $10,000 in my 401K and $11,000 overall this year and it’s the beginning of April. That’s 27.5% of my $40,000 savings a year goal which would double how much I saved last year.
The only aspect that has introduced a little bit of stress is that I went $120 over my $100 eating out budget last month. I was worried that this trend would continue, but it was a very unique month filled with a lot of laziness and inefficiency. I can do better. And even if for some reason I don’t improve I’ve been continuously running the numbers and if I keep within budget I will be able to pay all my expenses during my funemployment month of July without dipping into my savings at all and have $200 remaining. That’s much better than I expected. So a small (or not so small) increase in eating out to enjoy the delicious food of NYC before we move won’t break the bank. I’ve decided to just enjoy it.
Cutting 10 Years to 5
So far in my four years of work experience I have noticed a pattern in the four jobs I have received: they are all through networking. So I was surprised when after applying online for a position at a Seattle agency I received a note from the recruiter asking to set up time to talk. Speaking to an agency recruiter isn’t a complete rarity, but this woman’s response time was impressive. So far in my search for Seattle jobs while still in New York the few people that have reached out to me of their own volition have fallen off the face of the Earth after I mention where I’m located. But she didn’t. Despite having to reschedule several times we made it work. And I’m so glad I didn’t give up on her because this conversation gave me very valuable information that will allow me to cut my 10 years to financial independence to a slim 5 years.Sims: How I Beat My Tech Addiction
I’ve always been addicted to Sims. Since Sims 1 came out when I was in middle school it’s been my favorite game. That was 15 years ago. There is just something so fascinating about building (and at times ruining) virtual lives. It was the ultimate sandbox game before Minecraft, and in my opinion is still a worthy competitor despite its focus being different.
Early last year it was announced that Sims 4 would be released that fall. I was ecstatic. I read every rumor and hint I could find about what the new Sims would include. I waited with bated breath until it was released in September…..for PCs. Only. A serious blow. Our fleet of computers are all Mac and I believe Mac has a greater share of personal computers than PCs. And yet Maxis and EA either decided to release PC first or, more likely, did not have the Mac version ready by the launch date. A serious blow. Continue reading “Sims: How I Beat My Tech Addiction”
Taxes: Investment Accounts
Overall the tax code in this country, or more specifically the ways FI bloggers have presented the tax code of the US, seems pretty lovely. It understandably targets workers since that is a vast majority of the population and includes several complex ways that you can shelter money from taxes legally and then access it before standard retirement age. I’m still trying to make sure I understand how the tax code in this country works and how I can use it to my advantage. My favorite bloggers make it seem so simple, specifically the Mad Fientist, but when I go to IRS website my eyes still glaze over. It seems that everything has an exception and then an exception to that exception. Continue reading “Taxes: Investment Accounts”
The Perfect Job: Still Not Enough
Since I joined the workforce I’ve kept lists of what I enjoy and don’t enjoy in each job I’ve had. From these lists I’ve created the profile of what I thought would be my ideal job in advertising: flexible, constantly challenging with a boss I love and limited human interaction. I now have that job. I have had it for almost a year. And I am still not satisfied. I don’t know what it is about work that makes me analyze my satisfaction with it at every turn. Maybe because the general public seem to think ‘work’ is what you do for 40-50 years of your life. Other parts of life do not last that long: high school, college – all previous steps were 4 years long. Now that 4 has turned into 40. Continue reading “The Perfect Job: Still Not Enough”
My Addiction: Increasing Net Worth
I am loving watching my net worth grow. I loved it before saving money was my main goal. That’s one of the reasons I love Mint.com. I can go back and see my money grow from $5,000 when I left college (from hoarding $20 bills in high school and not spending basically anything in college) to a new milestone: $60,000 as of today. Not only is this intoxicating to watch and the reason I now look forward to pay days with a childlike glee, but the mere fact that I achieved $50,000 net worth in November and have increased my net worth 20% in 3 months is insane. And so exciting. It gives me a high I can’t describe. Maybe this is what shopaholics feel right after a purchase. I have no idea, but it’s a fantastic feeling. Continue reading “My Addiction: Increasing Net Worth”
4 Months Notice
I told my boss I’m leaving. It was a nerve-wracking experience. I didn’t really sleep and I threw up the night before. I ran into her in the elevator and was the only other person in the car. I was debating when to tell her that day and on the ride up to our floor she mentioned Seattle – a city I’d never heard her talk about before. So I took that as a hint and as soon as we got to our desks I asked if I could talk to her. The look on her face was worrisome, so I told her not to worry. And then I said my speech. She did not have any of the reactions I had practiced. Before saying anything she hugged me and said she was excited for me. I was shocked and excited. Continue reading “4 Months Notice”